How would Portugal have done this time around?

Would they have been able to do better than the likes of Russia, Namibia, USA, Romania etc?

Anyone know much about them?

They finished ahead of Russia in the 2011 European Nations Cup and are amongst the top 20 countries in world rugby.

Why weren't they in the WC then?

I always thought that the WC just had the top 20 teams in the IRB rankings playing in it, does it not work like that?

Yappysnap, there is a qualification competition that the minnow nations play. In Europe it was decided by the Nations Cup 2008-2010 in which Portugal were very poor. However in 2011 they have been doing quite well it seems.



The last place in the World Cup was decided by Romania v Uraguay. (Tunisia and Kazakstan were the semi finalists).

I forgot about them.

They didn't qualify. Simple as.

Could have done better then Namibia I'd say but Geography prevents them playing instead of them. I would have expected Russia to do better at the world cup though i fairness they have been poor so far.

Yeah, I thought Russia would be decent until they played the Dragons' second string side in a pre-season friendly and got whooped by 40 odd points. To put that into perspective, we'll probably get beaten well away to Connacht tonight who are Ireland's weakest team, so we're no great shakes!

The Russia's have some decent players but lack in some areas. Don't have much of a pack which is supprising. They will only get better though.